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Avalanche overhaul roster with key trades ahead of NHL season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 12:26 AM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Avalanche overhaul roster with key trades ahead of NHL season

Summary

The Colorado Avalanche made significant roster changes during the offseason, raising questions about their competitiveness for the upcoming NHL season. Following the departures of Valeri Nichushkin and Jack Drury, among others, the team acquired veteran winger Jaden Schwartz from the Seattle Kraken. While Schwartz brings playoff experience, concerns linger about whether he can improve the Avalanche's scoring depth. Colorado's fourth line is now projected to feature Parker Kelly, Fedor Svechkov, and Zachary L'Heureux, which may enhance the team's physicality—an area of past criticism. The reshaped roster aims to address both age and effectiveness as they prepare for the new season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Avalanche traded Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets.
•Jaden Schwartz acquired from the Kraken for added experience.
•Concerns over offensive production from Schwartz remain.
•Fourth line projected to feature Kelly, Svechkov, and L'Heureux.
•Avalanche aim to improve physicality ahead of the new season.

Latest Updates

12:26 AMYahoo Sports — The Avalanche Made Major Changes This Offseason — But Did They Get Better?

What they're saying

"
The Avalanche made difficult decisions this offseason, but whether those moves strengthened their Stanley Cup chances or created new problems remains one of the biggest questions heading into next season.
— Yahoo Sports

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